2. Bundesliga
Podolski enjoys emotional swan song
A legendary striker for club and country, Lukas Podolski led a star-studded testimonial in front of 50,000 fans in Cologne on Thursday.
It's some 21 years since an 18-year-old Podolski made his Bundesliga debut for Cologne. The former Germany forward went on to register 70 goals in 210 top-flight games for his hometown club and Bayern Munich, before playing in England (Arsenal), Italy (Inter Milan), Turkey (Galatasaray) and Japan (Vissel Kobe). He's been a Gornik Zabrze player since 2021, but Cologne was always going to be the venue for the Poland-born 39-year-old's testimonial as he prepares to hang up his boots once and for all.
Podolski duly opened the scoring for 'Team Poldi', who took a 5-0 lead into the break. He then helped reduced the deficit for a Cologne XI with a goal and assist in the second half, with the contest ending 5-3. After the game, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner was treated to a standing ovation from those in attendance at the sold-out RheinEnergieStadion.
"It's over on the pitch now, but we'll definitely see each other again off the pitch - whether in the stands or on the road," 'Prinz Poldi' said afterwards, even shedding a few tears. "Once a Cologne fan, always a Cologne fan."
A number of famous ex-teammates of Podolski's took part in the testimonial match, including Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Per Mertesacker, Hansi Flick and Jogi Löw.
"It really touches me that so many fans would like to come to enjoy this special evening with me. It is an honour for me to wear the Billygoat on my chest once more in front of a full house," Podolski said before his swan song in Cologne colours.
Watch: Lukas Podolski - the Cologne boy with a hammer left foot
"It's a final declaration of love for this special city, the club with its fantastic fans, my team-mates for so many years and other people who have accompanied my path."